Have you played in Scotland? If not, any particular reason why?

Eddie

I'm always curious to ask golfers, have you made the "pilgrimage" to Scotland to play St. Andrews, Prestwick, Carnousite and courses of similar tradition?

If you haven't, is it a matter of not wanting to go, or is it a matter of finding the right group of people to go with?

I was thinking about the expensive green fees thread, and was reminded of my trip to Scotland, and how that was easily the best golf trip I've ever had (better than Pebble, better than Bandon).

If you have made the trip, would you go back?

......

For me, I enjoyed all the tradition, all the time disconnected from real life, running into avid golfers left and right, and probably playing courses that forced me to be as creative as I could be to navigate around.

illest

I have not but would love to go at some point. I’m even a UK citizen so I feel like I’ve failed in some way by not having played in Scotland haha.

My reasons of not going to this point are just life (school, work, etc.) getting in the way and I really don’t have any group to go with.

Moni_SLO

I haven't because of the cost and the fact I've never really had a desire. Honestly Bandon has been on my list for many years and it's finally happening next year. That's probably as close to "Scotland" golf as I will get. Being in CA it is a trek to get out there and if I cruise to Europe, I'll likely hit Italy/Sweden for family stuff and then go drink on a beach somewhere 🙂

DaHOF

I was supposed to go this year to celebrate the big 4-0 with some other buddies. Needless to say, all of that was nixed due to shutdown/travel issues. Who knows when the next opportunity will come up for me to make the trip, but it will eventually happen.

OffTheDole

Like @DaHOF, I was scheduled for two weeks in Scotland but that all got scuttled with the pandemic.

A few years ago I would have been less enthusiastic because I'm a Florida golfer and my idea of a proper golf course is holes with lots of water and sand, bordered by houses and swamps full of deadly alligators and snakes. I also hate playing in the rain and the cold, so I resisted.

But as you said, the opportunity to hit golf shots and be creative rather than do the paint-by-numbers golf I'm used to is really exciting. Also, seeing a tee ball roll forward on a fairway as opposed to backing up or sitting directly next to its pitch mark would be really neat.

ckay

One of these days.

Golfingfanatic

I've been to the Ayr region in Scotland (Troon, Prestwick, Turnberry area) and to the south of England (Surrey and Sandwich). To me, these are some of the most memorable rounds of golf of my life. I am dying to go back. Need to go see the East of Scotland, too.

brushie

I was supposed to go April of 2020 and for obvious reasons had to cancel. Was going to do St Andrew’s and the courses in the areas then work my way up to Royal Dornich and all of the courses up there. Hopefully I can rebook next year.

bigjohntripod

Played the Old Course and Carnoustie in May 05’. The Open was at the Old course that year so we saw the stands up. Incredible experience. Best memory was the wedge off the green on 17. Caddy said “you take a divot, I’m running. I suggest you do the same.” Guy was 100% serious. Loved everything about it, the course, the town, the people, was incredible.

TFixer5

I did it a few years ago and had a blast. I ponied up for the guaranteed Old Course tee time through The Old Course Experience which include staying in the Old Course Hotel which was awesome. Played Old, New, Kingsbarnes and Dukes.

Such a different style of golf than I what I am used too. The bump and run is for real in Scotland. Kingsbarn was a surprise. Gorgeous place.....the caddie I had called it the Pebble of Scotland. The other cool thing was I had the same caddie for Old and New so we built a little banter that was fun.

Only downside is my clubs didn't make it from the connection in London so I had to rent clubs for the first round at Dukes which was easily the most forgettable round/course.

mljones99

No desire to if I may be honest.

jshel

I went in ‘19 for the first time and really enjoyed it. We had eight guys (the perfect number, IMO).

Courses played: Gullane No. 1, North Berwick (36), Muirfield (36 with the jacket/tie lunch between rounds and alternate shot in the afternoon), Renaissance Club, Murcar, Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay (36), Trump Aberdeen.

We were going to go again this year, but didn’t because of covid. Tee times for next year are brutal right now, so I think we are going to end up pushing it to 23.

It was a great experience and I look forward to going back.

dcgolfdr

We were lucky enough to win the lottery for tee times at the new and old course 4 years ago. We also were able to secure tee times at Trump Turnberry and Carnoustie. We were there the second week in June and had great weather for 2 days, sunny and 60, and bad weather for the final 2 days, heavy rain, wind and 40’s. That being said we had a blast and really made you think how someone a couple hundred years ago thought it would be a good idea to start playing a game in shit conditions with less than ideal clothing. The next trip over there will be to Ireland.

TopHunge

Played the Old Course, The Castle Course, North Berwick, stayed at and played both courses at Gleneagles, Gullane 1&2. I want to go back so badly. I have been from one tip of Ireland to the other and have played over 20 courses. Love Northern Ireland. I work for a company based in London and had a roadmap laid out, then COVID hit. Still a lot of work to do.